Alkaloid Compounds Research Articles

STUDY THE EFFECT OF HYLOCEREUS POLYRHIZUS SOME ANTIOXIDANT FACTORS IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS

The current work was aimed to study the effect of Hylocereus polyrhizus some antioxidant factors in CKD patients and healthy persons. An overall total of (80) CKD patients were included in this study. The patients were between the ages of 20 and 60. Each patient's case information sheet was compiled with information on their name, age, sex, marital status, place of residence, history of chronic diseases, history of drug use, history of smoking, and type of operation. These patients were hospitalized to Kirkuk, Iraq's Kirkuk Teaching Hospital between April and July 2022. 50 healthy individuals served as the control group in this experiment. testing for a few biological elements. The analysis of the peel extract from H. polyrhizus revealed the presence of saponin, flavonoid, tannin, polyphenol, alkaloid, quinone, and terpenoid compounds. Total antioxidant capacity level in male and female were showed significant (P≤0.05) reduced in comparison to the heath group. After using dragon fruits extract, Total antioxidant capacity level were improved and there was non-significant (P≤0.05) changes in comparison to the heath group. Total oxidant status level in male and female were showed significant (P<0.05) elevated in comparison to the heath group. After using dragon fruits extract, Total oxidant status level (951.8±57.4) were improved and there was non-significant (P≤0.05) changes in comparison to the heath group. Based on the results of the current study, it was found that dragon fruits extract has an effective role as an antioxidant.

Polyamide and deep eutectic solvent assisted matrix solid-phase dispersion microextraction for strong hydrophobic compounds

This paper proposes a simple, efficient, and green matrix solid-phase dispersion microextraction (MSPDM) method that uses polyamide as a dispersant and deep eutectic solvent (DES) as an eluant to extract terpenoids and alkaloid compounds from linderae radix. The main extraction parameters, including the amount of dispersant, grinding time, molar ratio of the DES components, type of dispersant, and type of DES, were optimized using single-factor experiments. The response surface methodology and the Box–Behnken design were used for further optimization. Satisfactory linearity (R2 > 0.999), precision (0.018%–2.215%), and accuracy (recovery >80%) were acquired for all target analytes. The results indicate that the developed method is promising and sustainable for extracting active ingredients from natural products.

Testing Antioxidant Activity of Pineapple (Ananas Comossus Merr.) Rinds Using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry Method

Pineapple (Ananas comossus Merr.) is one of the plants that is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. This plant content vitamin C and antioxidant activity. This study was conducted to identify the class of secondary metabolite compounds and determine the antioxidant activity of pineapple fruit peel. Antioxidant activity testing on pineapple fruit peel was conducted using UV-Vis spectophotometric method with wavelength of 514 nm. The identification of secondary metabolite compounds showed that the methanol extract of pineapple fruit peel contains alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol, tannin and saponin compounds. Antioxidant activity of methanol extract of pineapple fruit peel carried out by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryldhydrazyl) method shows IC50 value of 92.87 ppm with strong category, while vitamin C as a comparison has IC50 value of 9.31 ppm with very strong category. This is due to the pineapple fruit peel containing high levels of vitamin C. In addition, pineapple fruit peel contains secondary metabolites, especially flavonoids, phenols and tannins which are a class of polyphenolic compounds.

Bensulfuron methyl induced multiple stress responses in the field wheat plants: Microbial community and metabolic network disturbance

Sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides are widely used and often detected in environmental matrices and have toxic effects on ecosystems and plant development. However, the interaction between SU and soil-plant metabolism during the whole wheat growth cycle remains poorly investigated. Field trials demonstrated that bensulfuron methyl exposure reduced wheat height and a thousand grains' weight, disrupting the critical metabolic pathways, including linoleic acid and amino acid metabolism in the maturity stage. During different growth processes, bensulfuron methyl exposure decreases wheat soil and plants' defense-related indole alkaloid compounds, such as benzoxazinoids and melatonin. Microbial sequencing results showed that bensulfuron methyl treated decreased the abundance of beneficial microorganisms (Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidia, and Blastocatella) in the rhizosphere soil, which positively correlated with the inhibition of soil enzyme activity and the secretion of allelopathic substances (benzoxazinoids and melatonin). Molecular docking further confirmed that bensulfuron methyl affects protein molecular structure by establishing hydrogen bonds, which disequilibrate wheat benzoxazinoids and melatonin metabolism. Therefore, bensulfuron methyl exposure disrupted the interaction between soil microorganisms and indole alkaloid metabolism, hindering plant development. This study provides constructive insights into the environmental risks of herbicides and agricultural product safety throughout wheat development.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Encapsulated Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Extract: Comparison of Maltodextrin and Gum Arabic Concentrations as Coating Materials

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) contains piperine, its main alkaloid compound. However, piperine has low bioavailability due to its poor solubility in water. To address this issue, encapsulation is used. The objective of this study is to produce a water-soluble and stable black pepper extract encapsulated powder. The study encapsulated piperine using three concentrations of maltodextrin and gum arabic ratio as coating materials, namely MG1 (75:25), MG2 (25:75) and MG3 (0:100). The mixture was then combined with 30 % piperine extract using an ultrasonic processor and dried for 6 hours at 60°C in a vacuum dryer. The study results indicate that the concentration of maltodextrin and gum arabic MG1 positively affected the physicochemical characteristics of black pepper extract encapsulation. The MG1 exhibited a solubility level of 86.26 % in water, an encapsulation efficiency value of 78 % and a piperine content was stable at value of 7.08 - 7.49 % during storage.

Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis reveals the regulatory mechanisms of flavonoid and alkaloid biosynthesis in the new and old leaves of Murraya tetramera Huang

BackgroundMurraya tetramera Huang is a traditional Chinese woody medicine. Its leaves contain flavonoids, alkaloids, and other active compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, as well as hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects, and anti-tumor effects. There are significant differences in the content of flavonoids and alkaloids in leaves during different growth cycles, but the synthesis mechanism is still unclear.ResultsIn April 2021, new leaves (one month old) and old leaves (one and a half years old) of M. tetramera were used as experimental materials to systematically analyze the changes in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) with transcriptomics and metabolomics technology. This was done to identify the signaling pathways of flavonoid and alkaloid synthesis. The results showed that the contents of total alkaloids and flavonoids in old leaves were significantly higher than those in new leaves. Thirteen flavonoid compounds, three isoflavone compounds, and nineteen alkaloid compounds were identified, and 125 and 48 DEGs related to flavonoid and alkaloid synthesis were found, respectively. By constructing the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) network of DEGs and DAMs, it was shown that the molecular mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis in M. tetramera mainly focuses on the “flavonoid biosynthetic pathway” and the “flavonoid and flavonol biosynthetic pathway”. Among them, p-Coumaryl alcohol, Sinapyl alcohol, Phloretin, and Isoquercitrin were significantly accumulated in old leaves, the up-regulated expression of CCR (cinnamoyl-CoA reductase) might promote the accumulation of p-Coumaryl alcohol, upregulation of F5H (ferulate-5-hydroxylase) might promote Sinapyl alcohol accumulation. Alkaloids, including indole alkaloids, pyridine alkaloids, imidazole alkaloids, and quinoline alkaloids, were significantly accumulated in old leaves, and a total of 29 genes were associated with these substances.ConclusionsThese data are helpful to better understand the biosynthesis of flavonoids and alkaloids in M. tetramera and provide a scientific basis for the development of medicinal components in M. tetramera.

Decarboxylative Cyclization of Ethynyl Benzoxazinanones with Imidazolidines to Access 2,3-Indole-Fused 1,4-Diazocines.

2,3-Indole-fused 1,4-diazocines represent a new family of indole alkaloid compounds and are difficult to access by the reported protocols. Herein, we report a copper-catalyzed decarboxylative cyclization of cyclic propargylic carbamates with imidazolidines via sequential C-N/C-N/C-C bond formation to deliver a series of 2,3-indole-fused 1,4-diazocines, with a broad substrate scope and mild conditions.

PENGARUH ANTIBAKTERI SEDIAAN SABUN WAJAH CAIR EKSTRAK ETANOL DAUN BELIMBING WULUH (Averrhoa bilimbi L) TERHADAP Staphylococcus aureus METODE DIFUSI

Facial soap used to clean the face from exposure to dust, pollution, dirt, reduce sebum on the face and eradicate bacteria that can cause acne. Star fruit leaves are efficacious in healing several diseases, such as purulent skin inflammation, boils and medicine for gout. Phytochemical of star fruit leaves contain alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, tannin and steroid compounds that can inhibit bacterial growth. This study aims to determine the effect of liquid facial soap containing of star fruit leaf extract (Averrhoa bilimbi L) on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria by diffusion method.This study used a Quasi Experiment research design. The population in this study were wuluh star fruit leaves. The sample used is star fruit leaf extract which is made into liquid facial soap preparations with concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. This antibacterial testing method uses the Kirby-Bauer diffusion method. The results of antibacterial research obtained the average diameter of the inhibition zone at 5% concentration of 10.60 mm, 10% concentration of 11.20 mm, 15% concentration of 12.10 mm, and 20% concentration of 13.23 mm. Based on the diameter of the inhibition zone formed at concentration of 5% is categorized as a moderate response and at concentration of 10%, 15% and 20% is categorized as a strong response.The results of simple linear regression statistical analysis obtained p value = 0.000 < α 0.05 which means Ha is accepted, which means that there is a significant effect on the preparation liquid facial soap ethanol extract of star fruit leaves (Averrhoa bilimbi L) against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus diffusion method.

SKRINING FITOKIMIA DAN PENGARUH VARIETAS PELARUT TERHADAP KADAR ISOFLAVON RIMPANG TEMULAWAK

Curcuma Rhizome (Curcuma xanthorriza) is a plant that is usually mixed into herbal concoctions. One of the compounds that play a role is isoflavone. This compound functions as the main antioxidant that prevents radical reactions in lipid oxidation. This research aims to conduct a phytochemical screening of Curcuma Rhizome extract to determine the effect of solvent type on the levels of isoflavone compounds. This research method is true experimental with a post-control design. Data analysis was carried out using statistical tests to see the influence of different solvents on the levels of isoflavone compounds. Based on the results of phytochemical screening, the acetone extract of Curcuma Rhizomes contains flavonoids, steroids, and tannins. However, the results were negative for alkaloid compounds. The hexane extract of Curcuma Rhizomes positively contains alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and tannins. negative results for saponin compounds. The isoflavone levels in acetone extract and Curcuma Rhizome extract were 135.32 ppm ±10.73 and 27.72 ppm ±0.86, respectively. Based on the results of the statistical analysis, it shows that there is a significant difference between the isoflavone levels of acetone extract and hexane extract of Curcuma Rhizome (Sig £ 0.05).

Isolate and Diagnose Negative Bacteria that Cause Urinary Tract Inflammation and Test their Sensitivity to Certain Antibiotics and Rheum Palmatum

The current study included the collection of 50 diarrhoea samples from UTIs, ages 25-50 years, 60% female and 40% male patients reviewed to Kirkuk city laboratories, gave 40 positive germ growth samples and 80%, while 10 other samples gave no germ growth. Isolation and diagnosis results showed that E.coli was prevalent on Proteus mirabilis and at 75%, while Proteus mirabilis was at 25% lower. The results of the study showed isolated bacterial sensitivity to a number of antibiotics and the results showed isolated bacterial sensitivity to anti-Ciprofloxacin while bacterial isolates showed the highest resistance to antibiotics. Effective compounds were identified and their concentration in the Riwas plant was determined using High Performance Liquid Chromotography HPLC (containing phenolic, turbine and alkaloid compounds, aquatic and alcoholic extracts were tested at concentrations (25), (50) and (100) and the focus (25) was on the lowest toxins.

Perubahan Berat Badan Mencit (Mus musculus) Model Diabetes Melitus Tipe 1 yang Diterapi Ekstrak Alga Coklat Sargassum sp

In type 1 diabetes, when the body does not produce enough insulin or none at all. This causes blood glucose levels to remain high while the body's cells are starved for energy. As a result, the body turns to alternative energy sources, namely fat and muscle, leading to weight loss. Sargassum sp contains steroid, alkaloid, phenol, flavonoid, saponin and tannin compounds that can be antioxidant and antidiabetic. This study aims to determine changes in body weight of mice (Mus musculus) type 1 diabetes mellitus models treated with Sargassum sp. This study is an experimental study. Mice were divided into 6 groups, namely KN, K-, K+, P1, P2 and P3. Body weight was weighed on day 0, day 14 (post STZ induction) and day 28 (post drug administration). The data were analysed by ANOVA using SPSS program. The results showed that Sargassum sp extract can increase the body weight of DM mice.

Alkaloids in Uncaria rhynchophylla improves AD pathology by restraining CD4+ T cell-mediated neuroinflammation via inhibition of glycolysis in APP/PS1 mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceUncaria rhynchophylla (Miq.) Miq.ex Havil. was a classical medicinal plant exhibiting the properties of extinguishing wind, arresting convulsions, clearing heat and pacifying the liver. Clinically, it could be utilized for the treatment of central nervous system-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. U. rhynchophylla (UR) and its major ingredient alkaloid compounds (URA) have been proved to exert significant neuroprotective effects. However, the potential mechanism aren't fully understood. Aim of the studyThis study systematically examined the therapeutic effects of URA on AD pathology in APP-PS1 mice, and revealed the potential mechanism of action. Materials and methodsThe cognitive ability was evaluated by morris water maze test in APP-PS1 mice. The H&E staining was used to observe the tissue pathological changes. The ELISA kits were used to detect the level of inflammatory factors. The flow cytometry was used to analyze the percentage of CD4+ effector T cells (Teffs) in spleen. The immunofluorescent staining was performed to count the Teffs and microglia in brain. The protein expression was analyzed by western blot. In vitro, the lymphocyte proliferation induced by ConA was performed by CCK-8 kits. The IFN-γ, IL-17, and TNF-α production were detected by ELISA kits. The effects of URA on glycolysis and the involvement of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was analyzed by Lactic Acid assay kit and western blot in ConA-induced naive T cell. ResultsURA treatment improved AD pathology effectively as demonstrated by enhanced cognitive ability, decreased Aβ deposit and Tau phosphorylation, as well as reduced neuron apoptosis. Also, the neuroinflammation was significantly alleviated as evidenced by decreased IFN-γ, IL-17 and increased IL-10, TGF-β. Notably, URA treatment down-regulated the percentage of Teffs (Th1 and Th17) in spleen, and reduced the infiltration of Teffs and microglia in brain. Meanwhile, the Treg cell was up-regulated both in spleen and brain. In vitro, URA was capable of attenuating the spleen lymphocyte proliferation and release of inflammatory factors provoked by ConA. Interestingly, glycolysis was inhibited by URA treatment as evidenced by the decrease in Lactic Acid production and expression of HK2 and GLUT1 via regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in ConA-induced naive T cell. ConclusionThis study proved that URA could improve AD pathology which was possibly attributable to the restraints of CD4+ T cell mediated neuroinflammation via inhibiting glycolysis.

GC/MS chemical profiling and isolation of secondary metabolites from Leontice ewersmannii

GC/MS chemical profiling of the aerial parts of Leontice ewersmannii revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds of which 20 compounds were in n-hexane fraction and 3 compounds in basic DCM fraction. Among the identified compounds alkaloids, fatty acids and their esters, fatty alcohols, hydrocarbons, and sterol were detected. Phytochemical investigation of the aerial parts of L. ewersmannii led to isolation of 17 compounds including 1-heptacosanol (1), phytol (2), lupenone (3), palmitic acid (4), oleic acid (5), stigmasterol (6), stigmast-7-en-3-ol (7), methyl palmitate (8), methyl linoleate (9), butyl palmitate (10), butyl linoleate (11), dimethyl dodecanedioate (12), methyl cerebronate (13), β-sitosterol (14), β-sitosterol 3-O-β-glucopyranoside (15), sophoridine (16) and camoensine (17). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by 1D NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and GC-MS. All methyl esters of fatty acids are possible artifacts during extraction. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of the total extract and different fractions was screened, and they exhibited no inhibition of the growth at the tested concentration ranging from 8 to 200 μg/mL.

Food preference of the Calliteara cerigoides Walker on several species of Shorea sp. leaves

Shorea sp. (meranti) is a wood-producing tree from Indonesia that has many benefits in world trade. Meranti cultivation is carried out to rehabilitate and develop plantation forests. However, meranti cultivation is susceptible to various pest attacks, including Calliteara cerigoides. This study aimed to determine the food preferences of C. cerigoides and to analyze the phytochemical compounds in meranti leaves. Pest food preferences were tested by testing three meranti leaf species on C. cerigoides larvae. Three species of meranti were Shorea selanica, S. pinanga, and Shorea sp. Phytochemical tests were carried out by identifying seven secondary metabolic compounds in meranti leaves. The results showed that C. cerigoides larvae preferred S. selanica leaves and survived until the seventh instar. The content of tannin and hydroquinone phenolic compounds in the leaves of S. pinanga is thought to be an obstacle in the pest’s food preference, causing the larvae to die in the third instar. The content of alkaloid and flavonoid compounds in the leaves of Shorea sp. was suspected to be the cause of the larvae not surviving until the instar phase and only until the fourth instar. Morphological factors and the content of chemical compounds in meranti leaves affect the eating preferences of larvae.

Isolation and Bioactivities of Stemona Alkaloid: A Review

Objective/Background: In Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai traditional medicine of Southeast Asian countries, Stemonaceae plants have long been employed. Various studies have proved that these herbal plants contain Stemona alkaloids with valuable medicinal value. Although some review articles on Stemona alkaloids have appeared in the literature, they are quite outdated. The current study offers a comprehensive review of the isolation and bioactivities of Stemona alkaloids. The article might be useful for chemists who work in alkaloid chemistry as well as pharmaceutical areas. Methods: “ Stemona alkaloids” was the most useful keyword to search for literature data. References have been collected from various resources such as Google Scholar, SciFinder, and PubMed. More than 120 electronic publications were obtained from these resources. Results: More than 250 Stemona alkaloids from 8 groups have been isolated and structurally elucidated from Stemonaceae plants. Extracts from these plants as well as isolated compounds possess a wide range of bioactivities, such as antituberculosis, antibacterial, antifungal, and antihelmintic properties activities. Conclusion: In this review article, we have summarized 116 studies on the isolation and bioactivities of Stemona alkaloids in the literature. More than 250 Stemona alkaloid compounds have been isolated and identified. In addition, the article also gives an overview of the bioactivities of Stemona alkaloids.

In Silico Identification of Novel HDAC2 Inhibitors for Reinstating Synaptic wiring in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an increasing incidence rate. For the treatment of ASD, several pharmaceutical approaches, dietary supplements, and behavioral therapy have been proposed, but a definitive cure remains elusive. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are critical epigenetic regulators whose molecular and pharmacological roles are being studied extensively in medically significant ailments such as neuropsychiatric disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer on a global scale. HDAC2's specific expression pattern in CNS makes it an appealing therapeutic target for neurological illnesses such as ASD.Methods: The study used PyRx software (version 0.8) to screen a library of 401 alkaloid compounds against HDAC2. In addition, the DS software was used to predict the physicochemical and DMET properties of the compound library.Results: Valaciclovir hydrochloride, Dihydrocapsaicin, Guanosine, Santacruzamate A, and 2'-Deoxyguanosine monohydrate compounds exhibited strong interactions with HDAC2. These compounds had a higher binding energy than the control compound, and they have promising drug-like properties and ADMET characteristics.Conclusion: These identified compounds could be used as HDAC2 inhibitors for the management of ASD, however, experimental research is needed to optimize them as HDAC2 inhibitors.Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Histone deacetylases; Alkaloid compounds; Drug-likeness

Berberine HCl and diacerein loaded dual delivery transferosomes: Formulation and optimization using Box-Behnken design.

Berberine is a poorly water-soluble alkaloid compound showing significant anti-inflammatory characteristics. It reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory and inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α, IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL-23, IL-12, and IL-23). Diacerein significantly reduces the splenomegaly associated with psoriasis. It downregulates the production of TNF-α and IL-12. This study reported the development of transferosomes containing berberine HCl and diacerein using a film hydration method followed by optimization using a Box-Behnken design. Sodium deoxycholate was used as an edge activator. The impact of independent variables (amount of phosphatidylcholine, amount of edge activator, and sonication cycles) on dependent variables (particle size and entrapment efficiency) was examined. The optimized formulation was characterized for polydispersity index, vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, ζ potential, spectral analysis like Fourier transform infrared, thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, deformability, transmission electron microscopy, antioxidant assay, in-vitro release, and ex-vivo skin permeation studies. The optimized formulation had a particle size of 110.90±2.8 nm with high entrapment efficiency (89.50±1.5 of berberine HCl and 91.23±1.8 of diacerein). Deformability, polydispersity index, ζ potential, and antioxidant activity of the optimized formulation were 2.44, 0.296, -13.3, and 38.36 %, respectively. Optimized transferosomes exhibited 82.093±0.81 % and 85.02±3.81 % release of berberine HCl and diacerein after 24 h of dissolution study. The transdermal flux of optimized formulation was 0.0224 μg cm-2 h-1 (2.24 cm h-1 permeation coefficient) and 0.0462 μg cm-2 h-1 (4.62 cm h-1 permeation coefficient), respectively, for berberine HCl and diacerein. Raman analysis of treated pig skin confirmed that the transferosomes can permeate the skin. No change in the skin condition or irritation was observed in BALB/c mice. Formulation stored at 4 and 25±2 °C / 60±5 % relative humidity was stable for 3 months. Thus, the results demonstrated successful optimization of the transferosomes for the efficient topical delivery of berberine HCl and diacerein in the effective management of psoriasis.

TEST OF RESISTANCE OF ALPUKAT (Persea americana mill) FRUIT EXTRACT ON THE GROWTH OF THE Streptococcus mutans

Introduction: Streptococcus mutans is one of the normal flora living in the oral cavity, but in excessive amounts is the main causative agent of dental caries. The active compounds of alkaloids, saponins and quinones in avocado pulp extract is an antibacterial alternative that can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity. The aim of this research was to determine the inhibitory power that contain in avocado pulp against Streptococcus mutans . Materials and Methods: This study used 4 concentrations namely 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% with each repetition 4 times. Avocado pulp extraction was carried out by maceration method using 96% ethanol solvent. Inhibition zone testing was carried out using the Kirby baurer method. Results and Discussions: The zone of inhibition was determined using the Kruskal wallis test, which showed that there were significant differences in various concentrations against the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Avocado fruit pulp extract is able to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria because avocado fruit pulp extract has active compounds that cause antibacterial activity. Active compounds of avocado fruit flesh that are efficacious as antibacterials are alkaloids, saponins and quinones. Conclusion: Avocado pulp extract has been proven to have an antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans with an effective concentration level of 100%. Increasing the concentration of avocado pulp extract was also shown to affect the diameter of Streptococcus mutans inhibition zone

Berberine alleviates Alzheimer's disease by regulating the gut microenvironment, restoring the gut barrier and brain-gut axis balance

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease. Intestinal flora and its metabolism play a significant role in ameliorating central nervous system disorders, including AD, through bidirectional interactions between the gut-brain axis. A naturally occurring alkaloid compound called berberine (BBR) has neuroprotective properties and prevents Aβ-induced microglial activation. Additionally, BBR can suppress the synthesis of Aβ and decrease BACE1 expression. However, it is still unclear if BBR therapy can alleviate AD by changing the gut flora. PurposeIn this study, we examined whether a partial alleviation of AD could be achieved with BBR treatment and the molecular mechanisms involved. MethodsWe did this by analyzing alterations in Aβ plaques, neurons, and related neuroinflammation-related markers in the brain and the transcriptome of the mouse brain. The relationship between the intestinal flora of 5xFAD model mice and BBR treatment was investigated using high-throughput sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA from mouse feces. ResultsThe findings demonstrated that treatment with BBR cleared Aβ plaques, alleviated neuroinflammation, and ameliorated spatial memory dysfunction in AD. BBR significantly alleviated intestinal inflammation, decreased intestinal permeability, and could improve intestinal microbiota composition in 5xFAD mice.

Combating HTLV-1 infections with Taxus baccata phytoconstituents: Molecular mechanisms potential anti-ATLL agents

Taxus baccata is recognized as a traditional herb with antiviral and anticancer properties, making it a valuable candidate for anti-proliferative and antiviral agents, particularly in the absence of a cure for HTLV-1 infection and related diseases. The alkaloid extract of Taxus baccata was evaluated for its impact on HTLV-1-MT2 cell proliferation and HTLV-1 protease activity, presenting a promising avenue for therapeutic applications akin to HIV-PR inhibitors. Given the pressing need for effective treatments for HTLV-1-associated conditions, our study delved into the alkaloid extract's effects through immunofluorescence assays on HTLV-1 protease both in vitro and in silico. Confirmation of Taxus baccata extraction was achieved through immunofluorescence, infrared spectroscopy (IR), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, with paclitaxel serving as a control. Furthermore, the anticancer properties of the alcoholic and alkaloid extracts were explored through in vitro assays using various cell lines, including HTLV-1-MT2, A549, HT29, and MCF7, alongside flow cytometry assessments. Notably, treatment with the alkaloid extract significantly impacted the survival of HTLV-1-MT2 cells (-2.44±0.012), alcoholic extract (11.17±0.13) and paclitaxel (0.00±0.18) were evaluated. GC-MS analysis identified Dimethyl malate, Lichexanthone, and Glycinexylidide as bioactive compounds within the plant, with investigations into their molecular interactions with HTLV-1 protease conducted. Molecular dynamics studies revealed key interaction sites between the compounds and HTLV-1 protease (PDB ID:4YDF), particularly highlighting the binding sequence of the dimethyl malate ligand within the protease A chain (Ala59). Collectively, the alkaloid compounds from Taxus baccata exhibit potential inhibitory effects on HTLV-1 oncovirus proliferation and transmission.